Connecting via Broadband

Some people think broadband Internet connections, over DSL or a cable modem, are only for people with several computers. Not so. And most broadband ISPs know all about hooking up their modems to Macs, but it is important to make sure before you pay any money.

The actual connection process is pretty simple: After the service is installed, connect the Ethernet port on your Mac to the Ethernet port on your broadband modem. Then go to the Network preferences panel; from the Show pop-up menu select Built-in Ethernet, and in either the TCP/IP tab or the PPPoE tab (whichever your ISP instructs you to use), enter your account information (Figure 8.5). This should get you connected without any problems.